New Delhi: The Indian Railways has started introducing a flameless kitchen system in several of its base kitchens as part of an effort to reduce reliance on traditional cooking fuel. The move comes at a time when global tensions such as the Iran Israel conflict have created uncertainty around energy supplies.
In a conversation with TV9 Bharatvarsh, Anand Kumar Jha, AGM of the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC), said that the organisation has begun shifting many base kitchens towards electric cooking systems. Railway officials say IRCTC currently serves meals to nearly 16 lakh passengers across the country every day.
According to officials, the passenger food service continues without disruption.
Electric systems cook a majority of meals
Jha said electric induction technology already handles a large share of cooking work in IRCTC kitchens. “As of today, about 60 per cent of the food in base kitchens is prepared using electric induction systems.”
He said many commonly served dishes are now cooked on these systems. “Dal, rice and the gravies used in several vegetable dishes are prepared on electric systems.” He also said rotis and several other food items are produced using similar electric cooking equipment in these kitchens.
Gas supply remains sufficient
IRCTC officials say the shift to electric cooking does not mean there is a shortage of LPG in railway kitchens. Jha said gas supplies remain adequate for base kitchens across the country.
“In IRCTC base kitchens, one cylinder on average is enough to cook food for about 1,000 people.”
He said the requirement depends on the size of each kitchen facility. “Based on this estimate, around 25 cylinders are required for one base kitchen.” He added that there is currently no shortage of gas and kitchens continue to operate normally.
Solar power planned for railway kitchens
IRCTC also plans to introduce renewable energy in its kitchens in the future. Jha said the organisation is preparing a system to install solar panels on the roofs of base kitchens.
“A system is being prepared under which solar panels will be installed on the roofs of base kitchens.”
Officials say the plan may allow kitchens to cook food using electricity generated through solar power. This step may help reduce fuel consumption and strengthen long term energy security.